Reflecting on a Historic Day in Sports: June 17, 1994
Thirty years ago today, one of the most unforgettable and infamous days in sports history unfolded. June 17, 1994, was a day brimming with notable events, featuring moments of great celebration and enormous controversy that captivated millions.
The day's highlights included iconic sports figures and events, but they were overshadowed by O.J. Simpson and his dramatic white Ford Bronco chase. From Arnold Palmer's emotional goodbye at the U.S. Open, to the New York Rangers’ triumphant Stanley Cup parade, to the kickoff of the first World Cup on U.S. soil, the day was etched into the annals of sports history.
9:07 a.m. | Arnold Palmer Tees Off at Final U.S. Open Round
Arnold Palmer, a legend in the golfing world, teed off for his final U.S. Open round, having received an exemption from the USGA to play at Oakmont. Despite missing the cut at 16-over, Palmer received immense support from the crowd, becoming visibly emotional after the round. The day concluded with Ernie Els winning his first major at the age of 24, defeating Loren Roberts in a sudden-death playoff.
10:17 a.m. | Rangers' Stanley Cup Parade Rolls Through New York
For the first time in 54 years, the New York Rangers ended their Stanley Cup drought. Mark Messier's decisive goal against the Vancouver Canucks in Game 7 secured the victory, igniting city-wide celebrations. The Rangers paraded the Cup up New York's "Canyon of Heroes," where an estimated 1.5 million people packed the streets. The players received keys to the city from Mayor Rudy Giuliani, marking the peak of the celebration. However, the Rangers haven't won a Stanley Cup since, having lost to the Los Angeles Kings in the 2014 finals and to the Florida Panthers in the Eastern Conference Finals this year.
11:09 a.m. | Murder Charges Filed Against O.J. Simpson
The day took a dark turn when news broke that murder charges had been filed against O.J. Simpson, accusing him of killing his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ronald Goldman. Their bodies were discovered just days prior, brutally stabbed outside Brown Simpson's home. Simpson quickly became the prime suspect in the Los Angeles Police Department's investigation.
1:55 p.m. | LAPD Press Conference
LAPD Commander David Gascon held a press conference regarding the developments, announcing that authorities were searching for Simpson as he had not surrendered after the charges were filed. The statement, "We spoke to Mr. [Robert] Shapiro, we expressed our dismay, and we indicated to him that we expect to see Mr. Simpson immediately, if not sooner," underscored the gravity of the situation.
3:00 p.m. | United States Hosts Its First World Cup Match
Amid the turmoil, the 1994 FIFA World Cup opened in the United States for the first time. Soldier Field hosted the ceremonies, where Oprah Winfrey introduced Diana Ross, who performed before President Bill Clinton addressed the crowd. The first match saw Germany narrowly defeat Bolivia 1-0. The U.S. team advanced to the knockout stage but was eliminated by Brazil, who went on to claim their fourth World Cup title.
8:06 p.m. | Ken Griffey Jr. Ties Babe Ruth with 30 Home Runs Before June 30
Ken Griffey Jr. was in the midst of a phenomenal 1994 MLB season, hitting home runs at a historic pace. Griffey tied Babe Ruth’s record of hitting 30 home runs before June 30 by smashing a solo shot off Kansas City Royals pitcher David Cone. However, the excitement was dampened as the 1994-95 strike led to the cancellation of the World Series for just the second time in history. Earlier that day, MLBPA executive director Donald Fehr met with 55 players to discuss the owners' proposal for a salary cap.
8:56 p.m. | Police Pursuit of O.J. Simpson Begins
The day reached a fever pitch as Simpson and Al “AC” Cowlings fled from police in a white Ford Bronco. The low-speed chase, which covered roughly 60 miles of California pavement, was broadcast live on every news channel in America. Crowds lined the streets to witness the spectacle. Simpson, who had a gun in the vehicle, was eventually persuaded to return home without incident. The chase concluded with Simpson pulling into his driveway at 10:57 p.m.
9:00 p.m. | NBA Finals Game 5: Knicks vs. Rockets
While the chase captivated viewers, Game 5 of the NBA Finals between the Houston Rockets and New York Knicks was underway. NBC briefly preempted the game to provide updates on Simpson’s whereabouts. Despite the distractions, the Knicks secured a 91-84 win behind Patrick Ewing's 25 points, while Houston's Hakeem Olajuwon led all scorers with 27 points. The Knicks eventually lost the series, with Houston winning Games 6 and 7. The Rockets went on to sweep the Orlando Magic the following season, whereas the Knicks faced defeat from the San Antonio Spurs in 1999.
11:47 p.m. | LAPD Takes Simpson Into Custody
After ditching his gun, Simpson entered his home, called his mother, and drank a glass of orange juice before being taken into custody by the LAPD. Charged with the murders of his ex-wife and Ronald Goldman, Simpson’s high-profile trial began in January 1995 and lasted until October, resulting in his acquittal. However, a 1997 civil lawsuit found him liable for wrongful death and battery, leading to more than $30 million in damages. Simpson passed away on April 10, 2024, at the age of 76 after battling cancer.
June 17, 1994, remains a pivotal date that showcases the intertwining of sports triumphs and personal tragedies, forever marking it as a day of historical significance.